Macclesfield, South Australia

History

George Davenport was an English banker who was a director of the South Australian Company in England and together with partners Frederick Luck (quarter share) and Roger Cunliffe (1/8 share) paid £4416 for a special survey of 4416 acres (1619 ha) in South Australia. He sent his eldest son (George) Francis to select the land, arriving in Adelaide in February 1840. After initially considering land near Port Lincoln, Francis selected land on the upper reaches of the River Angas, including what is now the town of Macclesfield. This was the last of the special surveys in the area. The town of Macclesfield was named after the Earl of Macclesfield, to whom George Davenport was a steward in England. Francis Davenport returned to England in 1841, leaving Henry Giles to manage his affairs.

Francis and his wife Sarah returned in February 1843 along with Samuel, his wife Margaret (married 1 June 1842) and their other brother Robert. Francis died on 8 April 1843 (probably of typhus); later Samuel and Margaret moved to Beaumont and Robert lived at Battunga near Macclesfield and managed the survey.

The first hotel, The Goat's Head Inn, was established in 1841. It was later known as the Macclesfield Arms, Davenport Arms, and now Three Brothers' Arms after the three Davenport brothers. The brewery next door to the hotel was opened by 1851, but converted to a butter and cheese factory around 1903 and abandoned in favour of a new factory in 1937.

Macclesfield has been served by a primary school since 1876. In 2010, the Macclesfield Primary School celebrated 150 years of education in the town and surrounding districts. The ceremony was attended by many, including Alexander Downer MP, who lived in Macclesfield in the 1980s with his wife and children. The town is also home to the Macclesfield Football Club, Macclesfield Flames Netball Club, Macclesfield Redbacks Cricket Club, Macclesfield Basketball Club and Macclesfield Tennis Club. Each club is individually governed financially with its own presidency and committee members.

Infrastructure

Macclesfield is 14 km south of Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills. On Sunday 13 October 2013 the community held an opening event for Crystal Lake Park to celebrate the return of community access to the park and the unveiling of the Yoshin Ogata sculpture. Crystal Lake Park, site of the historic swimming pool, is now a community multipurpose arts and recreation park and part of the Hills Sculpture Trail.

Macclesfield is serviced by a volunteer Country Fire Service who assisted in warding off the Ash Wednesday Bushfires in February 1983.

Two pubs are located on the main street through the township; the Macclesfield Hotel and the Three Brothers' Arms. The town is home also to a small café, known as the Maccy Melting Pot. Adjacent is the Macclesfield Lucky Seven store.

The local Post Office houses over 350 letterboxes, but it does not provide home delivery. Some local history books can be purchased at the Post Office along with stationary, small gifts and cards.

Community events

The annual Macclesfield Strawberry Fete, which evolved from the 'All British Fair' which was first held in 1927 as a St John’s Church of England fundraiser, is held on the last Sunday of November at the town's Davenport Square. Ever since, strawberries and cream have been central to a popular family celebration with stalls featuring food, crafts, and local produce.

Christmas Carols are another event. Acts include performances by a community group called Young At Heart, students of the local Macclesfield Primary School choir and various others. Also various readings are given during the night's proceedings shared between the Catholic, Uniting and Anglican churches. The carols are printed on a program and wax or electric candles available for purchase from a stall near the rotunda.

At various times through the year the local Battunga Lions Club sell recycled goods from their shed at the Recreation Grounds and there are many other major community events held within the township.